In various threads in the puzzle-specific forums, I've seen the creators specifically welcome feedback about the perceived quality of the puzzles.

Rather than post this in any one puzzle thread, and get off-topic, I thought I'd make a general address and encourage others to follow suit.

One point: Many people haven't seen many of the puzzles, so if you want to refer to details of a specific puzzle, I'd advise that you not do so here - PM a creator.

That said - My favorite puzzles here so far have been the ones where there is a clear starting point. I don't mind doing the gruntwork (3.3, 3.6 and 3.7 come to recent mind) at all, especially if there are intuitive leaps needed.

The other ones I like are ones where the starting point is vague, but there are immediate clues that you're getting there when you try the right approach. I can't say the number in public of the one that bugged me on this, because that would be a massive hint, but I think most who've passed it know which one I'm talking about.

The thing is, there've been a few, such as 2.18, that require some really odd things that really aren't (at least as I see them) clued that they might even be necessary in the puzzle. Those are the ones that drive me totally bonkers.

That's my impression, at least. I can see that some people would prefer all riddle-style puzzles, or rebus-style puzzles, or trivia-hunts, or what have you. What do the rest of you think?

PS: Despite the few gripes above, I do want to thank you for putting this together and putting it up. It's obviously a major investment of time and talent, and that in itself is appreciated.

Thanks very much for your comments Aeirould and also for starting this thread. (I've been meaning to do something like this for a while and never got round to it).

I encourage you all to follow this lead and post about what types of puzzle you like. This is the only way we can improve things for future contests. Comments can be as simple as "I liked 1.X" or "I didn't like 2.Y", but as Aeirould said, no puzzle specifics please. It's been said elsewhere, but let me remind you that if you'd like anything explaining then please just PM me.

As it sort of fits in here, I'll ask whether people like to see more specialised contests? One of the ideas we have in the pipeline is a mathematical one, but there are plenty of other avenues.

Aeirould wrote:

some people would prefer all riddle-style puzzles

If that is the case for you, then can I recommend Chantilly's Challenge on Had To Play On? That will test you out.

Stretham_________________Is sloppiness in speech caused by ignorance or apathy?
I don't know and I don't care!

I'll make a note to avoid those... pure riddles are my worst form of puzzle.

And things based on mathematics/science are mine, although other people just whizz through them...LOL!

Seriously though, we all have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to approaching different puzzles types - which is one of the many reasons why it can help to work in a team where people can share ideas, knowledge and also previous puzzling experience. Something that seems completely unsolveable for one person can often be totally obvious to someone else.

Being realistic, it would be impossible to construct an entire contest where every contestant liked every single puzzle - but hopefully the variety of different types we've included will ensure that most people are happy at least most of the time(!) and will also have a few "favourites" to look back on.

But as has already been said - please do keep the comments coming. Your feedback is already playing an important part in shaping the content for Contests Two and Three.

I personally like the math or number related puzzles as that seems to be my strong point. The picture ones are usually stumpers for me - especially when i don't recognize half the things or where one thing can be named several different ways.
The pure riddles I can take or leave. Just depends on how obscure they are.
Crosswords are always fun but cryptic crosswords aren't necessarily a stong point.
The pure ciphers are probably my worst downfall, however. Especially the ones that require a key or the only direction is figuring out what the title is referring to.
Obviously, logically constructed and executed puzzles and riddles are the best and generally the easiest. If the path from A to B is clear then you're not stuck trying a hundred possibilities.
Having said all that, I think this contest so far has had a pretty broad mix of all of those which is good. Since I personnally might breeze through a math related one but get stuck on a crypto one, someone else might do vice versa and even up the odds a bit. Overall, this is what makes a good contest I think. Variety is the spice of life they say.
And one last thing... Riddles and Puzzles, no matter what kind, should always give you that "ooo ooo I think I got it" feeling. Maybe not at the answer persay, but at least when you figure out the method.